11.2.21 - Hochul Set to Scale Back Cuomo’s Ambitious Penn Station Plan
'New York Governor Kathy Hochul is preparing to scale down the state’s plan for the redevelopment of Pennsylvania Station and the surrounding neighborhood, a closely watched project that could reshape midtown Manhattan. Hochul is expected to make an announcement this week on a smaller vision for the real estate and transit project, which was being shepherded by Andrew Cuomo prior to his sexual harassment scandal, according to people familiar with the matter.'
'Hochul has been focusing on the construction of skyscrapers north and east of the station, two of the people said. That would limit the need to seize property south of Penn through eminent domain.'
'Representatives for Hochul didn’t respond to requests for comment.'
'Vornado Realty Trust, a major New York landlord, owns much of the land that is being targeted for development. Cuomo’s plan drew criticism from lawmakers and local observers who painted it as an effort by a power-hungry governor to usurp the authority of city officials in a move that would benefit powerful real estate interests.'